South Korea strongly protests against China’s reported deportation of approximately 600 North Korean defectors, despite Seoul’s plea against forced repatriation. China denies the existence of “so-called defectors” and asserts adherence to legal procedures regarding individuals from North Korea entering illegally for economic reasons. The South Korean unification ministry expresses regret over the situation, emphasizing the violation of international norms against repatriation against the individual’s will. The exact number and status of those deported remain unclear, prompting heightened tensions between South Korea and China over the alleged involuntary return of North Korean individuals.